Magnificent Mile - THE center of Chicago (Kind of)

I'm not sure how you could visit Chicago without visiting the Magnificent Mile, even just by accident. This stretch of North Michigan Avenue is the home of fantastic Chicago shopping, tons of attractions, and is essentially the center of Downtown Chicago - more so metaphorically than geographically.

Of the shopping highlights I visited on Magnificent Mile, the standout was probably Water Tower Place. However, bigger budgets and different agendas might be more intrigued by boutique stores like Tiffany and Co. and Saks Fifth Avenue - neither of which I bothered stopping into.

While I was impressed by the sheer number of quality restaurants and hotels on and around the Magnificent Mile, what I was most interested in was the architecture. From the Water Tower to Wrigley Building and the Hancock Observatory, I spent most of my time on the Magnificent Mile looking up. The scenery on Magnificent Mile is simply unbeatable, and you'll know you've truly arrived at the Windy City when you take a walk down this famous stretch of Chicago.

Whether you like to shop, eat, take photos or all of the above, the Magnificent Mile is the place to be.

A Chicago Street You Just Have to Walk Down

The Magnificent Mile is one of the main tourist attractions in Chicago. This strip of land in on Michigan Ave, one of the main streets in Chicago. It’s a great place to go shopping or to go out and eat. You can find just about anything you want here as far as shopping goes, from luxury items to affordable retail. I love the city feel to it. The street, which is lined with enormous buildings, has shop after shop, some of which you wouldn’t normally find in a big city. I think it’s best to walk all the way from the beginning to the end of it to get the best feel for the Magnificent Mile. If it’s cold outside, there are plenty of nice buildings where you can hang out, get a cup of coffee and warm up. At the end of it, near the river, there’s even a gigantic statue of Marilyn Monroe in her famous white dress. It’s a great spot to get a funny photo in between her legs.

Magnificent Mile, Chicago attraction-landmark from Chicago Traveler

Central

Gold Coast

This activity is FREE!

Summary

Features:Chicago Magnificent Mile is the name given to the stretch along Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street. The Magnificent Mile offers over 3.1 million square feet of retail space, 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 51 hotels, 2 unique museums and a variety of sightseeing and entertainment attractions to more than 22 million visitors each year. Recent enhancements to the Magnificent Mile include additional trees and flower-filled medians that reflect the changing seasons. These aesthetic enhancements complement the unique architectural beauty famous to Chicago.

Some of Chicago's top retail establishments are found on the Magnificent Mile, including department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Macy's and Lord & Taylor and boutiques such as Cartier, Hermès, Giorgio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna, Burberry and Tiffany & Co. The Magnificent Mile also features critically-acclaimed restaurants such as The Signature Room at The 95th, Spiaggia, Tru, The Pump Room, Lawry's The Prime Rib, Spago and many other dining options. You'll also find luxurious accommodations at four and five-star hotels such as The Peninsula Chicago, Park Hyatt Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Ritz-Carlton Chicago and Le Meridien Chicago.

While the warmer months allow for beautiful landscaping and flowers, the holiday season is also special, with the lighted trees lining the streets, retailers' decorated windows and horse-drawn carriages trotting down the street.

Why We Go: Chicago Magnificent Mile provides patrons with shopping to their heart and closet's content. A major Chicago attraction to tour and enjoy, The Magnificent Mile is a walking friendly attractions and has an abundance of great dining and entertaining attractions.

Shop Til You Drop: With more than 3.1 million square feet in retail space and major headlining specialty designer stores such as Coach, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for.

Near Restaurants: Hungry before, after, or during your Windy City shopping spree? Check out any of the great eateries located on the Chicago Magnificent Mile. A Magnificent Mile Hotel or few are also home to many of these delectable restaurants.

Walking Friendly: The Magnificent Mile is a spectacular venue to wander and explore the Windy City

Inside Knowledge: The Magnificent Mile, located in Downtown Chicago even offers summer themed activities, some of which are located right outside a Magnificent Mile Hotel or two.

Do's and Don'ts:

Do Wander Outdoors: The Magnificent Mile is the perfect place to walk around and explore, not to mention shop!

DoBring the Family: The Chicago Magnificent Mile has something for everyone in your family to enjoy and is a great place just to spend time together.

Don'tWorry About Parking: There is street parking as well as garage parking located along The Magnificent Mile.

Don't Miss the Latest Trends:The Chicago Magnificent Mile is home to many of the latest fashion trends. Come here and maybe even start your own.

A Chicago Street You Just Have to Walk Down

The Magnificent Mile is one of the main tourist attractions in Chicago. This strip of land in on Michigan Ave, one of the main streets in Chicago. It’s a great place to go shopping or to go out and eat. You can find just about anything you want here as far as shopping goes, from luxury items to affordable retail. I love the city feel to it. The street, which is lined with enormous buildings, has shop after shop, some of which you wouldn’t normally find in a big city. I think it’s best to walk all the way from the beginning to the end of it to get the best feel for the Magnificent Mile. If it’s cold outside, there are plenty of nice buildings where you can hang out, get a cup of coffee and warm up. At the end of it, near the river, there’s even a gigantic statue of Marilyn Monroe in her famous white dress. It’s a great spot to get a funny photo in between her legs.

Magnificent Mile - THE center of Chicago (Kind of)

I'm not sure how you could visit Chicago without visiting the Magnificent Mile, even just by accident. This stretch of North Michigan Avenue is the home of fantastic Chicago shopping, tons of attractions, and is essentially the center of Downtown Chicago - more so metaphorically than geographically.

Of the shopping highlights I visited on Magnificent Mile, the standout was probably Water Tower Place. However, bigger budgets and different agendas might be more intrigued by boutique stores like Tiffany and Co. and Saks Fifth Avenue - neither of which I bothered stopping into.

While I was impressed by the sheer number of quality restaurants and hotels on and around the Magnificent Mile, what I was most interested in was the architecture. From the Water Tower to Wrigley Building and the Hancock Observatory, I spent most of my time on the Magnificent Mile looking up. The scenery on Magnificent Mile is simply unbeatable, and you'll know you've truly arrived at the Windy City when you take a walk down this famous stretch of Chicago.

Whether you like to shop, eat, take photos or all of the above, the Magnificent Mile is the place to be.